Rizatriptan is used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults and in pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years[1][2][4][5][7]. It is not used for preventing migraines or reducing the number of migraine attacks and is not indicated for cluster headaches, hemiplegic, or basilar migraine[4][7].
Rizatriptan works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, reducing pain signals, and blocking the release of substances that cause pain, nausea, and other migraine symptoms[3][5][7]. It is effective in relieving migraine symptoms such as moderate to severe headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, but should be administered only after a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established[2][5].
The medication is administered by mouth as a tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet. For adults, the typical starting dose is 5 mg or 10 mg, taken at the onset of a migraine; the 10 mg dose may provide greater relief but with more risk of side effects[1][2][4][6]. If the migraine returns after initial improvement, a second dose may be taken at least 2 hours later, with a maximum of 30 mg in 24 hours[1][2][4]. Pediatric doses depend on weight: 5 mg for children under 40 kg, 10 mg for those 40 kg or more, with only one dose allowed in 24 hours[1][2][4].
Rizatriptan should not be taken for more than 10 days per month, and the safety of treating more than four headaches in a 30-day period has not been established[7].
References
- [1] Rizatriptan: uses, dosing, warnings, adverse events, interactions
- [2] Rizatriptan Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments
- [3] Rizatriptan – Women’s Health – Associates for Women’s Medicine
- [4] RIZATRIPTAN BENZOATE
- [5] Rizatriptan (Maxalt): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions … – WebMD
- [6] What is the dosage of rizatriptan (Maxalt) 10 milligrams for …
- [7] Rizatriptan: MedlinePlus Drug Information
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